National
SOKAPU distances itself from planned nationwide protest
By Abubakar Yunusa
Ahead of the planned August 1 nationwide protest, The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), Abuja chapter, has dissociated itself from the exercise.
The Union urges the government to review some of its policies and ensure that citizens are happy.
It also called on the president to restore the fuel subsidy until such a time that our refineries (public and private) are fully functional and in a position to meet our local demand for consumption.
At the press conference in Abuja yesterday, the Chairman of the branch, Mr Titus Musa, said they are not convinced that the planned protest is driven by a patriotic desire to move the nation forward.
He said the protesters’ organizers and sponsors are faceless, and their agenda from all indications is sinister and ill-motivated.
“If we may ask, why now?” Given our bitter experiences with protests in the recent past, we strongly believe that the planned protest is not expedient at this critical juncture to proffer the remedies needed to address the current challenges confronting us as a nation.
He said, “What we see is the outpouring of emotions driven by primordial sentiments. Therefore, we must be careful not to trigger outcomes that will turn out to be the albatross to our national unity.
“We must be careful not to discard the good with the bad.
Those who are quick to reference the Kenyan experience must realize that each country is unique and different even if we share some common complexities.
“We therefore appeal to the youths to explore and seek alternative means to dialogue with the government at all levels of governance.
“We appeal to the government on the other hand to ensure an open-door policy that will enhance dialogue and citizen’s engagement.”
Musa said the government must continue on the path of inclusive and responsible governance and those saddled with the responsibility of governance must demonstrate empathy and concern for the people in both their private and public conduct.
While we have patriotically taken the position to dissociate our Union from the protest, we must not fail to acknowledge that Nigerians are undoubtedly going through excruciating pains and hardships.
“Any policy that does not prioritize the welfare and security of the people is therefore not worth it.”
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a sustainable and globally competitive financial system to allow Nigerian banks and other financial institutions to thrive.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the statement on Wednesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new state-of-the-art headquarters of First Bank of Nigeria at Eko Atlantic City in Lagos State.
Shettima disclosed this in a statement posted on X.com on Wednesday.
The statement read, “President #officialABAT has said that his administration is working assiduously to create a system that is sustainable and globally competitive, enabling Nigerian banks and other financial institutions to thrive.
“He noted that government policies under his administration are driven by the reality that the nation no longer has the luxury of time to postpone its economic transformation.”
Tinubu who noted that banks can only prosper under a thriving economy, however, pointed out that everything his administration does—and sets out to accomplish—rests on the cooperation and capacity of financial institutions.
“Banks are the engines of economic growth, and we owe it to them to champion a system that guarantees sustainability and global competitiveness.
“Our expectation is for our banks to excel, expand beyond our shores, and earn their place among the world’s most viable and profitable enterprises,” he was quoted as saying.
According to the report, a host of prominent dignitaries and political leaders including the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of FBN Holdings, Femi Otedola, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and governors were among the distinguished guests who attended the event on Wednesday.
By Amina Anebi, Kaduna
Over two hundred worshippers gathered at Our Lady’s Parish Independence in Kaduna to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, marking the end of the pre-Lenten season with traditional observances, including confessions, the burning of Holy Week palms, and acts of charity.
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, precedes Ash Wednesday and signals the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and spiritual reflection observed by many Christian denominations. The term “Shrove” comes from the old English word “shrive,” meaning absolution following confession.
The celebration in Kaduna was led by the Kaduna North Dean and Parish Priest, Very Reverend Father Anthony Okelue, who urged the faithful to embrace the spirit of repentance and charity.
“I urge you all to come closer to God as we embark on 40 days of prayer and fasting. By reflecting on our wrongdoings, we should celebrate with those who have less. That is the essence of this day—giving to the less privileged,” Father Okelue said.
Shrove Tuesday is widely observed by Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Western-Rite Orthodox Christians, and Roman Catholics. The day is traditionally marked by self-examination, repentance, and preparation for the solemn season of Lent.
One of the most recognisable customs associated with Shrove Tuesday is the eating of pancakes, a practice rooted in the need to use up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period begins. Church bells are also rung to remind people to repent before Lent.
In many Christian traditions, churches burn the palms distributed on the previous year’s Palm Sunday to prepare the ashes used for Ash Wednesday services. Elsewhere, in countries where Shrove Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras, the day is celebrated with carnivals and feasts before the fasting period begins.
The Roman Catholic Church also marks Shrove Tuesday with the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus, a devotion reflecting on the suffering of Christ.
Father Okelue encouraged worshippers to see Lent as an opportunity for spiritual renewal. “This is a time for reflection, prayer, and giving. Let us approach it with sincerity and a heart for others,” he said.
As the faithful in Kaduna observed this centuries-old tradition, the emphasis remained on confession, repentance, and charity—values that define the essence of Shrove Tuesday.
By Amina Samuel,Kaduna
The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has introduced a range of policies aimed at improving education access and creating a conducive learning environment, leading to notable advancements in the sector.
During a quarterly ministerial press briefing on Tuesday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, highlighted that these initiatives align with the governor’s campaign promises.
He detailed the significant infrastructure improvements, including the construction of new schools and classrooms, since the governor took office.
“Since the beginning of this administration, more than 600 classrooms have been constructed, with many others undergoing renovations.
The era of students studying in non-conducive environments is now over,” Professor Bello stated.
Under the AGILE project, 62 new secondary schools have been established, with an additional 50 planned for construction ahead of the administration’s second anniversary.
Moreover, the commissioner announced the launch of six science secondary schools funded by the Islamic Development Bank, a project that had been dormant for 16 years.
“More than 2,000 students are now enrolled in these specialised schools,” he said.
Professor Bello also reported improvements in examination outcomes, noting a rise in the percentage of students achieving five credits in national examinations such as WAEC and NECO from 54% to 67% since the current administration began.
Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to education was further demonstrated through his first Executive Order, which reduced tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions by 40%.
This decision has led to an increase in student enrollment across institutions such as Kaduna State University and Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, according to Professor Bello.
“Previously, many students left for institutions in neighbouring states due to high tuition fees,” he added.
In addition to fee reductions, the government has introduced new courses across various state-owned tertiary institutions, now accredited by relevant education authorities.
The administration is also focused on tackling the issue of out-of-school children through the construction of new schools, with support from five key development partners, including the Islamic Development Bank and UNICEF.
Prof Bello disclosed that a statistical mapping of Kaduna State has identified communities lacking school facilities.
As part of this initiative, 102 new schools will be built, while over 200 existing schools will be renovated with the aim of ensuring no child travels more than one kilometre to access an educational facility.
In another significant development, he mentioned that the Special School for Gifted Children at Millennium City is currently 90% complete, and the Tsangaya Bilingual Schools Project has also seen substantial expansion with support from UBEC and the Islamic Development Bank.